Queen's Gate SW7

19 February 1944

By Katlynn Miller

Just after 12am on 19 February 1944, a high explosive bomb struck 184 and 185 Queen’s Gate SW7 (the latter housing the 1892 Maison de L'Institut de France). The fronts of both houses were damaged as well as water and gas mains in the road opposite.

A ruptured local gas main caught fire, which then spread to no 184. Lack of water caused serious problems for the Fire Service. Initially, three Heavy Rescue parties and two mobile cranes attended the scene. Later, further rescue parties and a mobile canteen were requested.

At 185 Queen’s Gate there were both free and trapped casualties. Four bodies were recovered on 19 and 20 February and removed to Holy Trinity Church on Prince Consort Road. Two more bodies were subsequently recovered from 184 Queen’s Gate. Rescue parties saved one man - pinned to a bed by a beam - who was initially thought to be dead.

In total, eight individuals were later confirmed killed with eight others seriously wounded (four of whom had been trapped under wreckage and had to be rescued).